I received a phone call from my realtor and friend Larry. He bubbled into the phone, “I’ve sold your house. Give me a fax number, and I’ll send you the contract.” Thoughts raced wildly around in my head. Was I ready for this big move? I had lived in my house 42 years; I came there as a bride; I brought two babies to live in that house. My husband suffered a heart attack and died on the back porch. Reality struck hard, but, in the end, I signed the contract and moved.

Two years later, I am happy for that new beginning in my life. I have a new home, a new doctor, a new dentist, a new bank, a new library, a new writing group, a new park to walk in, a new grocery store, and lots of other “news”. The biggest “new” is my church. I left a spirited church with a pastor who was not afraid to stand up for God’s position on any issue. I looked hard to find a missions minded church, unflinching on the important doctrines of the Bible. I am happy to report, I found a good church. It took six months in this big church before someone called me by name as I walked down the hallway, but it finally happened. Slowly, I am feeling like I belong.

The exchange of the old for the new is not an even exchange. I left friends of thirty-five years behind; making new friends has been difficult. I left a warm (and hot) climate for a four-season climate. One of those seasons is cold and sometimes snowy, but a glorious spring each year more than makes up for the gloom of winter. I left a relatively inexpensive lifestyle for a more costly one. I left a small rural town for a city of a million people. But being able to see my grandchildren anytime I choose, watch them grow, and be another godly influence in their lives has been worth it. I am happy to be a servant and help my daughter with her family. And, I feel more secure being around family as I am now an official senior citizen.

Though moving was a big step in my life, there was another new start that was much more dramatic and more important. At age 27, I read a book about Jesus Christ. I saw myself as a sinner, repented, and began a new life. Coming to Christ at that age, I became a rare statistic. Usually, if persons aren’t saved by the time they are an older teen, they may not come to Christ until much later in their life. When I accepted Christ, I literally felt the burden of my sins roll off my back. The world was fresh and clean; I was a new person.

Relocating to a new city can be fun and exciting, but it pales by comparison with the joy of being made new in Jesus Christ.

Hi Marie -
Moving to a new area is always bittersweet. When I married my husband I moved to a brand new state as well and it took time to make friends and begin to interact. Beautiful writing style and words. Thank you for sharing.

Marie, so much of this resonated with me. Although I'm only 43, I can identify with how it must have felt to make that big decision. We built our home when we were married 22 years ago and I think we'll be here for as long as we're able to maintain it. So the thought of leaving it and starting new in a completely different part of the country is quite overwhelming.

But I loved the fact that you jumped right in and are obviously thriving.

Also related very much to the fact that you read a book about Jesus and gave your life to Him. I was very much the same. I read "The Robe" when I was in my early 20's and fell in love with Jesus right then and there.

Anyway Marie, I loved this testimony of your new beginnings - particularly with the joy of that most wonderful new beginning! With love, Deb

Marie, I too came to Christ at a more advanced age..28. So very nice to know that His mercy is new every morning, and available to all of us, no matter our age. So glad to hear your move was one that allowed you to be blessed in new and different ways. Your writing is an inspiration.